The 18-year-old youth international is currently playing his football in China with Dalian Shide, the club with which the Magpies have built up a special relationship in recent years.

However, the youngster has already spent a fortnight on trial at Manchester United and their interest has been confirmed.

Newcastle were not commenting on the matter today other than to admit that they are aware of the player.

Magpies' chairman Freddy Shepherd has worked hard in recent years to put his club in a position where it could exploit the explosion in popularity of English football in the Far East and beyond.

United travelled to Malaysia during the summer to take part in the inaugural FA Premier League Asia Cup, and their collaboration with Dalian is hoped to result in the formation of a new club, Hong Kong United, which is due to start competing next year.